Stetson Bennett Leads Rams to Dramatic Comeback Win Over Cowboys in Preseason Opener

For most of Sunday afternoon, Stetson Bennett looked every bit like a quarterback shaking off the rust from nearly a year away from the field. But in the final three minutes, Bennett reminded everyone why he led the University of Georgia to back-to-back national championships.

Despite throwing four interceptions earlier in the game, Bennett orchestrated a thrilling game-winning drive, capping it off with a 6-yard touchdown pass to tight end Miller Forristall with just four seconds left. The Los Angeles Rams edged out the Dallas Cowboys 13-12 in a nail-biting preseason opener.

“That was probably the weirdest game I’ve been a part of,” Bennett said, reflecting on his performance. He completed 24 of 38 passes for 224 yards.

“I told myself today we’re gonna roll with the punches. My goal was to not make any mental errors and to run the offense correctly. There were some lapses, obviously, but in the end, it was about getting the ball in the end zone or losing. I think everybody fought to do it.”

Stetson Bennett

Bennett, a fourth-round pick by the Rams last year, was sidelined during the regular season as he focused on his mental health. But in the final moments of this game, he showed the poise that made him a champion.

During the game-winning drive, Bennett completed 8 of 9 passes for 61 yards, including a crucial sidearm throw to Forristall on a fourth-and-goal from the Dallas 6-yard line. Forristall played a key role, making all three of his receptions for 31 yards during that final drive.

It appeared that Bennett had thrown his fifth interception just before the two-minute warning, but the play was nullified due to a holding penalty against Dallas, giving the Rams new life.

“Obviously, we want to minimize turnovers, but it didn’t really surprise me,” Rams head coach Sean McVay said. “We were talking on the headset, and it’s like, you know what? He’s the type of guy that’s probably gonna go lead us on a game-winning touchdown drive, and Stetson did a great job.”

Head Coach Sean McVay

McVay also praised wide receiver Jordan Whittington, who led the Rams with six catches for 74 yards. Rookie kicker Joshua Karty contributed with two field goals, keeping the Rams in the game.

On the Cowboys’ side, Trey Lance made his debut, passing for 188 yards. He connected on 25 of 41 attempts but couldn’t find the end zone, as Dallas settled for four field goals by kicker Brandon Aubrey.

Lance, the third overall pick in the 2021 draft by the San Francisco 49ers, was traded to the Cowboys last season but didn’t play in any games. Reflecting on the game, Lance said, “I think I learned a ton from it. I played with a bunch of different guys. It was good to feel the energy in the huddle. But I definitely left some plays out there.”

Aubrey’s fourth field goal put Dallas ahead 12-6 with just under three minutes remaining, after a Bennett interception set up the Cowboys deep in Rams territory. However, Bennett’s heroics ensured the Rams emerged victorious.

The Rams started the game strong, with Karty nailing a 28-yard field goal after a 12-play, 61-yard opening drive. Whittington’s 34-yard catch was the highlight of that drive. Dallas responded with a 30-yard field goal by Aubrey to tie the game at 3-3.

In the second quarter, the teams traded field goals again, with Karty hitting from 39 yards and Aubrey answering with a 36-yarder for Dallas.

Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy noted the mixed performance: “In some ways, we looked like we played our first game, but in other ways, I’m really pleased with the takeaways and taking care of the football. There’s a lot to go off of.”

Looking Ahead:

• Cowboys: Next game is at Las Vegas on Saturday.
• Rams: Next game is against the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday.